Selling your home is a big decision. My job as your realtor is to give you the best marketing, keep you informed of the process and SELL your home. Once you have decided that you are ready to sell, there are a few tips that can improve your homes market-ability.
The first step in preparing your home for market is to start on the outside and go through your entire home as if you were a buyer. Make notes of the areas that you would be concerned about or that need touching up. Look at all the details. Ask yourself the following questions:
Does my home have "Curb-Appeal"?
"Curb-Appeal" goes a long way in improving the first impression your home will make to potential buyers. Make sure your lawn and landscaping look their best. Keep your lawn trimmed and remove garden hoses and tools from the yard. Repair any broken tiles in the walkway and keep it clear of lawn debris. Take a close look at your flowerbeds. Do they need fresh mulch? Consider power washing the exterior of your home and if it needs it maybe even a new coat of paint. Be sure that your front door is clean and fresh. As an extra touch you may even consider a brass doorknocker or seasonal door decoration.
Is my home inviting?
You will want your home to be inviting. You can achieve this by lighting a scented candle or two. For evening showings turn on all the lights in the house to create a welcoming glow. Fresh flowers are a nice touch too.
Are the kitchen and baths in immaculate condition?
Potential buyers will especially notice the condition of the stove and oven. Make sure these are clean. Keep counter tops free of clutter to help create an open feel.
Repair caulking and grouting. Remove rust stains. Make sure tiles and porcelain are free from soap film. Forgetting these details can suggest neglect to a potential buyer. A nice extra touch is a lighted scented candle or pot pourri.
Do any of the appliances need repair?
Potential buyers will often check on the appliances - turn them on and off to make sure that they are in working condition.
Is there too much clutter?
Make sure that the interior is tidy and uncluttered. If the walls need it, touch up with fresh paint.
Make sure that the interior is tidy and uncluttered. If the walls need it, touch up with fresh paint.
The idea is to clean, repair, and de-clutter without redecorating. Prospects are likely to notice these details if they are neglected. Taking care of them beforehand will insure that the buyer's first impression is that your home is warm, welcoming, attractive and well maintained.
If you would like a comparative market analysis to determine the value of your residence, please contact me. I would be happy to assist you whether you decide to sell or not.
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